COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Marci Johnsen is a current member of the Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support Pathways to Career Excellence program in Columbus. She started her PaCE journey in August 2024 and is graduating this month as a post-award contract specialist.
Why did you first apply to the PaCE program?
I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese a few months before our first son was born. Truthfully, I had no career aspirations. I was happy to be a stay-at-home wife and mother and to serve in my church and community. However, four years ago certain life experiences led me to start seeking out a career. My husband started at DLA as a PaCER 19 years ago. I know first-hand that the PaCE program is a fantastic opportunity. A little over two years ago, while gaining experience as a part time office administrator, a position in the PaCE program opened, the timing was perfect and I jumped at the chance to apply.
What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE program?
My favorite part of the PaCE program has been the people. I love working with such a diverse and intelligent group of people. I love the connections I have been able to make. I am grateful for the mentors who have been so willing to share their expertise and answer my many questions. I’ve been fortunate to have fantastic leaders who have not only given me the space to learn and grow but have actively empowered me to take on new challenges and expand my capabilities.
Can you share an example of how you’re helping (or learning to help) the warfighter?
I research to get to the root cause of why we are struggling to procure material. I make sure to document so others know what is going on. Most importantly, I build strong relationships with our vendors. This allows me to improve vendor performance, help small businesses navigate DLA policies and collaborate with all partners to overcome obstacles in delivering essential parts to the warfighter.
If you could change one aspect of your experience in the PaCE Program, what would it be?
I would welcome more opportunities to travel to depots and vendor sites. Seeing the physical supply chain and meeting our partners in person would provide invaluable context that would deepen my understanding of the end-to-end process and help me be an even more effective partner in supporting the warfighter.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role? How do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is managing a demanding workload where the number of problems to solve often outweighs the hours in the day. I overcome this through learning to prioritize and focus on one task at a time. My approach is to maintain a positive, resilient mindset. In February, my branch chief gave me a plaque titled 'Human Sunshine,' which serves as a great reminder to take a deep breath, be a light for my team and tenaciously work through each challenge.
What makes a good fit for someone in your position?
A great post-award administrator is essentially a professional problem-solver. One of my mentors is an avid puzzler, and I think that’s the perfect analogy for this job. You need a passion for tackling complex challenges, a strong work ethic and the ability to build networks to find solutions. A good sense of humor is also essential, as it helps you stay resilient and collaborative when facing tough obstacles.
Can you share a specific accomplishment or project that made you feel especially proud?
Through the DLA mentorship program, I chose to focus on my public speaking. For me, the goal isn't just about comfort; it's about developing the ability to deliver value, clarity and inspiration. My mentor encouraged me to join Toastmasters and volunteer to emcee a director's call and I embraced both challenges. After delivering my ice breaker speech at Toastmasters, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing I had successfully connected with the audience and achieved my goals for that moment.